Sharad Budhia joined predecessor Morgan Construction Company India in 2001 as a sales manager and later served as Head of Operations at the Turbhe, Mumbai, location. He has since devoted his energy to promoting excellence in metals production in India by providing world-class metallurgical services to local steel producers and is now Executive Vice President of Casting and Long Rolling at Primetals Technologies India.
How has the metallurgical services business developed in India over the last few years?
Sharad Budhia: It is currently evolving. We have seen a 50% growth over the last few years. India is a particularly price-sensitive country, and we have worked hard to maximize the value we provide to our customers. We have also extended our ability to support our customers locally. Whenever one of our customers is facing a challenge, we go there, study the situation in detail, create intimacy with the customer, and then deliver a solution based on that.
I understand that the Turbhe location of Primetals Technologies will be playing an even more central role in terms of the company’s Metallurgical Services business segment. What are the plans?
Budhia: The Turbhe workshop is already exclusively dedicated to our Metallurgical Services business. In the future, the workshop’s portfolio will be extended, and we will emphasize exports even more than we do today. I see a great opportunity here, because we can make use of the lower labor costs in India and support our company locations in other regions with the products we manufacture here.
Are long-term partnerships important in the metallurgical services business?
Budhia: Yes, long-term partnerships can last for many years and will help our customers to get critical spare parts on time, thereby reducing plant downtime. Contracts for the supply and repair of critical equipment, as well as for predictive maintenance, are also enhanced by a longer timeframe. We regularly visit our customers to ensure their operations are going well, which is much appreciated by them.
What are the top 3 services requested by Indian steel producers?
Budhia: The top 3 metallurgical services that our customers ask for are original spare parts at competitive prices and delivered in a timely manner, immediate technical support when a breakdown occurs, and expert services during scheduled maintenance activities.
Are there any specific areas you will be focusing on more closely in the coming years?
Budhia: Yes, we will be emphasizing the transfer of metallurgical know-how to India to expand our product portfolio, offer more repair and reconditioning services, and introduce e-services.
How has digitalization—the shift toward “Industry 4.0” solutions—impacted the metallurgical services business?
Budhia: To be frank, many discussions on digitalization are just the talk of the time. But we are truly spearheading the change toward new digital technologies such as predictive maintenance, which is in the process of replacing traditional reactive maintenance. Artificial intelligence-based solutions will enhance a steel producer's ability to anticipate any deterioration of their equipment.
How can Indian steel producers best prepare for expected future developments?
Budhia: I think that Indian producers are quite good at adapting to new technologies. To me, the key to being future-proof is to be prepared. I think that the Indian steel industry, by and large, is in a very healthy state. Of course, it can’t hurt to have a close relationship with Primetals Technologies to enjoy future success.
